Territorial police force for Bristol, Bath, North East Somerset, North Somerset, Somerset and South Gloucestershire
A motorway incident on the M5 near Taunton has caused a long traffic delay, overheating concerns for a child in a car, and advisories from Avon and Somerset Police and National Highways on safe actions during such emergencies. RAC forecasts imply further delays this weekend as families plan summer getaways.
Tony Bartlett has been convicted of murder after violently shaking Atticus Bartlett, a 13‑month‑old, in Chard, Somerset, in July 2022. He has received a minimum 18‑year sentence. The case involved heavy drinking, the baby’s fatal injuries, and a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has refused to apologise for a social media post featuring a guillotine and the slogan "We’re only making plans for Nigel." Police are reviewing the incident after Reform UK reports. Polanski says it was an inadvertent mistake and he is cooperating with inquiries. The controversy has intensified debates over a leader’s control of social media and the party’s future credibility.
The Met has concluded that sharing the guillotine image was unlikely to constitute a crime, transferring the case to Avon and Somerset; Reform UK accuses authorities of two-tier Britain while Polanski maintains he did not offend. The Independent and BBC report on the decision and public reactions, with ongoing political pressure as byelection coverage continues.
A car struck a group in Stokes Croft, Bristol, injuring three people. The driver was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and dangerous driving. Police have cordons in place and say there is no wider threat.
A body found in the Bucegi Mountains is believed to be 18-year-old George Smyth, a University of Bristol student who went missing during a hike last November. Forensic identification will confirm identity before repatriation to the UK. Families say they are devastated and thank rescuers and authorities for their efforts.
A 35-year-old man from Ruthin, Denbighshire, has been jailed for three years and two months for defrauding four victims after posing as a wealthy businessman with hospitalisation deception. Victims funded investments, private treatment and living costs, with losses totaling around £68,000. The court heard the deception was sustained from July 2020 to October 2021.
Multiple court actions across the Midlands and Dudley involve murder charges, manslaughter pleas by diminished responsibility, child cruelty allegations, and a long-stalled missing-person case. Recent hearings include a hospital-order sentence for a killer and updates on ongoing trials.